Managing Change Through Uncertainty

Article
Dec 22, 2009

For the sixth year in a row, Food Logistics has identified the top 100 technology and solution providers to the food industry. Known as the FL100, this resource is a listing of software, hardware and IT service providers that focus on the unique technology needs of the food distribution industry.

Grocery and foodservice manufacturers and distributors are turning to these solution providers to help them reach their business goals. The FL100 are based on their proven track record and expertise in the industry. In this section, we've included a series of charts that list 19 categories of solutions.

Aspen, Temecula, CAwww.aspenlogistics.comYear founded: 1978Number of employees: 600Number of food customers: 70+Solution names: MyAspenLive.com (customer portal) instant access via internet connection to our YMS, WMS, TMS.Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs.Key problems solved: Technology is an enabler that speeds up work flows, maintains constant/consistent communications, and drives productivity. In this environment technology is a key differentiator. It establishes a platform to meet vision and goals. Technology sets apart industry leaders from the rest. With the economy contracted, few are investing in their IT and choose only to maintain essential operations. Customers who face the same economic obstacles are looking for opportunities to meet goals faster, more efficiently, and with greater transparency. Advancements in applications and services need to be provided by a supplier and are tantamount to basic operational goals. Technology is now conducting logistics in a more efficient and productive manner than ever before, and service providers need to position themselves to capitalize on these opportunities for their customers.

CAMS Software Corp., New Westminster, British Columbia, Canadawww.camspro.comYear founded: 1997Number of employees: 15Number of food customers: 22Solution names: CAMS Professional; CAMS Backhaul Module; CAMS Salvage Optimizer; CAMS Backhaul OptimizerMarkets served: Supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors.Key problems solved: Qualification Information: CAMS Software assists grocery retailers and wholesalers in the area of transportation. Our technology helps our clients to maximize the efficiency of their private fleet or third party resources while maintaining the highest possible service to their stores or customer accounts. Our many clients decrease costs and improve efficiency with; increased visibility into execution, driver incentive and activity based payroll, improved accuracy of information, as well as integration with all major grocery transportation systems. Generate revenues in the transportation department using the best optimization tools for backhaul and salvage optimization available in the grocery industry.

CombineNet, Pittsburgh, PAwww.combinenet.comYear founded: 2000Number of employees: 80Number of food customers: 13Solution names: The CombineNet Advanced Sourcing Application Platform (ASAP)Markets served: Manufacturers; 3PLs. Key problems solved: Customers of CombineNet's Advanced Sourcing Application Platform are finding the immediate savings they need to survive in these challenging economic times, helping to reduce costs of supply from the sourcing of raw materials through delivery of final product to consumers. And through the collaborative capabilities of Expressive Commerce powered by CombineNet's industry-leading sourcing optimization technologies, they are preparing their organizations, and those of their key suppliers, to thrive in the future, by identifying core strategic suppliers, new sources of supply, new product innovation, and more efficient manufacturing and logistics strategies that will drive long-term competitive advantage when the economy turns around.

Datex Inc., Clearwater, FLwww.datexcorp.comYear founded: 1978Number of employees: 55+Number of food customers: 30+Solution names: FootPrint WMS; FootPrint 3PL; FootPrint e-Portal; FootPrint Yard Management System; Professional Services.Markets served: Manufacturers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs. Key problems solved: In today's environment, technology is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Short and long term goals of retaining customers, attracting new business and providing better service can be accomplished implementing the right technology with the right processes. Companies need to demonstrate that they are able to provide accurate, reliable and real-time information as needed. With technology, a company can reduce errors, lead-time, manual operations as well as increase productivity and customer service.

Deacom Inc., Wayne, PAwww.deacom.netYear founded: 1995Number of employees: 17Number of food customers: 5Solution names: Deacom Integrated Accounting and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software.Markets served: Manufacturers. Key problems solved: In today's economic environment, food manufacturers and processors can use a single, integrated ERP system to streamline business processes, such as recipe management, purchasing, inventory and lot control, sales order entry, accounting and financials, and regulatory reporting, in order to maximize productivity and profitability for the achievement of short- and long-term goals.

Demand Solutions, St. Louis, MOwww.demandsolutions.comYear founded: 1985Number of employees: 90Number of food customers: 20 percent of clientsSolution names: Demand Solutions Supply Chain Planning Suite: DS Forecast Management; DS Sales & Operations Planning; DS Requirements Planning; DS Collaboration; DS Advanced Planning & Scheduling; DS Retail Planning.Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors. Key problems solved: With signs of the economy picking up, now is the perfect time for food companies to invest in technology that will help them grow their businesses by enabling a competitive advantage. A competitive advantage can be earned in the short term through implementation of supply chain planning technology by immediately identifying an excess or shortage of inventory that could increase expenses or decrease customer satisfaction. In the long term, food companies that have demand visibility will have a competitive advantage as they will be able to anticipate declining demand because of the economy, or hopefully, increasing demand as the economy strengthens.

FST Logistics, Columbus, OHwww.fstlogistics.comYear founded: 1991Number of employees: 150 Number of food customers: 50+Solution names: N/AMarkets served: Manufacturers; grocery wholesalers; supermarket retailers; foodservice distributors; 3PLs. Key problems solved: Use communication resources such as satellite tracking, automated reports and web-based tools to communicate with customers. Use our technology to help gap any deficiencies our customers may have in working with their customer base. Example would be an “856” program that generates proper barcodes for deliveries into a WalMart, our customer does not have this technology but we do. Automated reporting on our inventory control system gives our customers a real time, up-to-date caption of their inventory we warehouse for them. All of these strategies gives our customers more time to take care of business and less time trying to figure these things out for themselves.

Galleria, Chicago, ILwww.galleria-rts.comYear founded: 1989Number of employees: 70Number of food customers: 9Solution names: Galleria's Customer-Centric Merchandising Solution; Galleria's Promotional Display Optimization SolutionMarkets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers. Key problems solved: Galleria's Customer-Centric Merchandising solution enables food retailers to attain their short- and long-term inventory goals by always ensuring the right products are in the right place, in the right quantities, at the right time to drive profit. Whether a retailer is reducing inventory due to economic uncertainty or increasing it as the market improves, Galleria's solution simultaneously incorporates customer buying behavior, product performance and available space in each store to generate optimized merchandise plans that reflect local buying patterns on a store-by-store basis.

HighJump Software, Eden Prairie, MNwww.highjump.comYear founded: 1987Number of employees: 250Number of food customers: 150Solution names: HighJump Warehouse Advantage; HighJump Manufacturing Advantage; HighJump RouteCenterMarkets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs. Key problems solved: Businesses are focused on maintaining and increasing profitability in times of modest revenue. The response is to stop all process improvement and technology projects and concede that “we just can't afford it now.” This line of thinking is a trap. The best time to focus on customer satisfaction, process improvement and perfect order performance is when business conditions require strong profitability. Those who manage successful warehouses and distribution operations invest in supply chain technology in good economic times to manage growth, and in a down economy to cut costs and gain competitive advantage.

Inmar Reverse Logistics, Winston-Salem, NCwww.inmar.comYear founded: 1985 Number of employees: N/A Number of food customers: 200+Solution names: Returns Management; Asset Recovery; Recall Management; Returns Prevention; Information Intelligence.Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors.Key problems solved: The supply chain is all about ensuring that the right product is at the right place at the right time. In a struggling economy, doing so in the most efficient and cost effective manner becomes even more critical and can even determine whether or not a company will survive. Our clients have shared their reverse logistics goals as inventory management, visibility and/or actionable information, supply chain integrity, regulatory requirements compliance and environmental sustainability. Technology plays a critical role in helping companies achieve these goals.

INSIGHT Inc., Manassas, VA www.insightoutsmart.comYear founded: 1978Number of employees: 30Number of food customers: 34Solution names: SAILS; INSIGHT Bid Analyzer; X-System (Optimization Engine); INSIGHT Enterprise Strategy (IES)Markets served: Manufacturers; foodservice distributors; 3PLs. Key problems solved: INSIGHT's SAILS helps companies in this difficult economic environment by giving the best answer to strategic and tactical supply chain planning questions, such as minimal energy usage, alternative fuels and sources, and the length of the supply chain, which comes into question when considering outsourcing. INSIGHT has experience across all forms of low-cost and green transportation options from pipeline, ship, barge, rail, truck, and air. They consider all--and mixed--modes of transport. Mixed modes introduce complexity, but are just the type of problem addressed by INSIGHT customers, whether container or piggyback trailer. In addition, INSIGHT customers routinely do analyses for on-time delivery, assessing safety stock, in-transit stock, lead time, and economic order quantity (EOQ). Even though oil prices are going down, firms need to regularly evaluate their supply chain strategies. In particular, strategic sourcing (including outsourcing) decisions must be carefully re-examined, especially with respect to international supply chains. It is important to recognize that energy price increases affect every level and activity of the supply chain: procurement, manufacturing, ports, distribution centers, transportation, inventory, and so on.

Interlink Technologies, Perrysburg, OHwww.thinkinterlink.comYear founded: 1986Number of employees: N/ANumber of food customers: N/ASolution names: Warehouse Link (WHSe-LINK) Markets served: Manufacturers; foodservice distributors; 3PLs. Key problems solved: WMS technology reduces human error and expensive labor-intensive paperwork. WMS increases productivity, product knowledge, customer service and competitiveness. To attain the short-term goals (company survival), Interlink suggests looking at the ROI. A company moving from a paper-based system to an automated WMS, will see a return in a short six to nine months. Interlink provides the same WMS functionality and support to five user systems as they do 5,000 user systems. Scalability is as simple as buying more hardware! This fits in nicely with long term goals and being prepared to meet the demands when the “bump” in the economy is over.

Intermec Technologies, Everett, WA www.intermec.comYear founded: 1966Number of employees: 1,900Number of food customers: N/ASolution names: Intermec rugged mobile computing, bar code and RFID solutions.Markets served: Manufacturers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs. Key problems solved: The demand to reduce costs and increase operational efficiency is crucial to short and long term success in today's economic environment. With the convergence of information capture and management technologies like near-far scanning, VoIP, voice/speech recognition, RFID, and signature capture being a major factor in addressing this key business need, Intermec technologies enable businesses to meet and exceed demand and be strategically positioned for success once the economy recovers.

LeanLogistics Inc., Holland, MIwww.leanlogistics.comYear founded: 1999Number of employees: 120Number of food customers: 20Solution names: On-Demand TMSMarkets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs. Key problems solved: Cost reduction and containment are common themes throughout every enterprise. By deploying True SaaS (single instance, multi-tenant) solutions, companies are able to implement quickly and drive rapid return-on-investment, while continually having access to updates and functionality as they are released, without requiring additional licensing and hardware upgrades. The True SaaS model allows companies to identify opportunities for cost containment and control throughout their supply chain; provides collaboration opportunities internally and throughout the industry's largest network; and allows for rapid sharing of industry best practices.

Locus Traxx, Jupiter, FLwww.locustraxx.comYear founded: 2005Number of employees: 25Number of food customers: 12Solution names: OverSightMarkets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs. Key problems solved: The OverSight system from Locus Traxx provides real-time monitoring and reporting of temperature, location, security and other conditions while shipments are in transit. Through the use of our food safety experts (Sterling Solutions), we are able to correlate refrigerated trailer temps against the quality characteristics of products being delivered. To limit information overload, Intelligent Alerts inspect the incoming data and automatically send text or email messages if something needs attention. We have developed a phased temperature alert which can eliminate problems before they occur. Near-term shippers and food manufacturers get new, timely information to assure food safety and quality while products are being shipped. Long term, the volume of data collected can be used to better understand the relationship of time and temperature on product safety and quality, and lead to improved transportation practices.

LTM Services Inc., Manorville, NY www.ltmservices.comYear founded: 2004Number of employees: 7Number of food customers: 9Solution names: LTM is a serviceable equipment cost management group. Our software is proprietary and used in-house by qualified analysts to control and reduce our clients costs and increase efficiencies. Our average ROI is over 90 percent. We can provide testimonials from a number of food clients.Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs. Key problems solved: Short goal: understand and control immediate repair costs, service provider cost control, rental oversight and need understanding, fleet profile understanding and needs. Long term: best needs fleet profile implementation, full rental control, parts usage and cost control, life cycle understanding and implementation, battery cost control, optimized lease implementation, national purchasing where applicable, comprehensive understanding of enterprise wide as well as individual facility and unit cost control. The complete control and understanding of a very misunderstood yet essential aspect of warehousing and distribution.

LTW Intralogistics, Wolfurt, Austria (U.S. branch in PA)www.ltwusa.comYear founded: 1981Number of employees: 170Number of food customers: 80Solution names: Warehouse automation; stacker cranes; picking-to-man and man-to-picking automationMarkets served: Manufacturers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs. Key problems solved: The LTW Aisle-Changing technology for stacker cranes offers a solution for reducing the initial investment cost for a warehouse or DC. Since the cranes can switch aisles automatically, there is no need to purchase a stacker crane for each aisle. By reducing the number of cranes purchased to meet the true throughput requirements, the overall budget for a building project can be decreased.

Motorola, Schaumburg, ILwww.motorola.comYear founded: 1928Number of employees: 64,000Number of food customers: 1,150+Solution names: Note that most of Motorola's portfolio of Enterprise Mobility Solution products fit into this category. http://www.motorola.com/Business/US-EN/Business+Product+and+Services)Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs. Key problems solved: In today's challenging economic environment, companies are faced with making critical IT purchasing decisions that will help them streamline processes, increase productivity and ultimately guarantee the freshness of food as its shipped from farms and manufacturers to distribution centers and retail stores. Now more than ever, every dollar spent counts. And as food distribution and supply chain organizations grow their businesses, it will become essential that they use the right mix of technology solutions--from advanced data capture solutions to mobile computing devices and wireless networks--to help increase business efficiencies to meet stringent international standards and increase profitability on a global scale.

PakSense, Boise, IDwww.paksense.comYear founded: 2004Number of employees: N/ANumber of food customers: N/ASolution names: Ultra Contact Label; Ultra Wireless Label.Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs. Key problems solved: Companies must proactively look for technologies that help increase bottom line profits. An increase in bottom line profits can be attained by either adopting technologies that help reduce costs or help increase sales. When technology is adopted based on these principles, the expenditure can be justified because it is no longer a “cost.” It is now viewed as a way to improve company profits. Products such as the PakSense Ultra Label fall into this category of profit improvers because they help companies reduce costs by enabling them to increase efficiencies and pinpoint supply chain issues.

PeopleNet, Minnetonka, MNwww.peoplenetonline.comYear founded: 1994Number of employees: 185Number of food customers: 200Solution names: PeopleNet BLU In-Cab PC; PeopleNet PerformX; PeopleNet PACOS; PeopleNet eDriver Logs; PeopleNet Onboard Event Recording; PeopleNet Activity Standards.Markets served: C-store distributors; foodservice distributors. Key problems solved: Knowledge is power. Fleet managers who have access to vehicle and driver performance information when and where they need it have the power to make decisions and squeeze every ounce of profit out of their fleets. To combat economic challenges and fluctuating gas prices that thwart profitability, management needs controls over the types of information they get, how frequently and when it's delivered, the format it's in and the time period it covers. You can't manage what you can't measure and today's cutting edge technology solutions give fleet managers the tools they need to make their operation most successful.

Psion Teklogix, Mississuaga, Ontariowww.psion.comYear founded: 1967Number of employees: 1,000Number of food customers: 100+Solution names: The 7535, 7530, 8680, 8590 and 8530 are the specific products we sell in the food space. Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors. Key problems solved: With the ever-increasing demands on management to “do more with less”, a growing number of businesses are adopting a technology strategy to increase productivity and efficiency, resulting in a strong Return on Investment (ROI). Implementing a mobile solution, like one from the Psion Teklogix product line, enables employees to work faster and smarter, while management saves hours in manpower and improves the bottom line. Psion Teklogix rugged mobile computers provide real-time data communication, a battery life lasting the entire day, intuitive interfaces and functionality in the most hostile of environments, resulting in added value and highly motivated workers.

Real Time Freight Services LLC, Chicago, ILwww.realtimefreight.comYear founded: 2003 Number of employees: 45Number of food customers: 3,500Solution names: Freight Management SystemMarkets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs. Key problems solved: Real Time Freight provides immediate ROI through their Rate Analysis feature. This provides clear visibility of what their customers are paying, and how their customer rates compare to the greater RTF community and rate engine plug-ins. RTF customers realize a centralized, secure, controlled freight management solution. Benefits include the reallocation of resources, and lower freight spend. Real Time Freight eliminates information silos to help companies centralize and share information to help them make better and more informed decisions for today and for the future. The Real Time Freight Smart Select automatically awards freight and makes the best decision every time.

Saddle Creek Corp., Lakeland, FL www.saddlecrk.comYear founded: 1996Number of employees: 1,600+Number of food customers: 50Solution names: Saddle Creek Integrated Logistics SolutionsMarkets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers. Key problems solved: Never has it been more important for companies to understand the flow of their goods. Strong systems capabilities and accurate, up-to-the-minute information are essential to provide full knowledge of inventory (where it sits, when it is due to move, how often it has turned, etc.) as well as product visibility throughout the supply chain. An experienced 3PL that already has those systems in place can provide a strategic, integrated solution, combining state-of-the-art operating systems as well as the facilities, personnel and expertise to generate a convenient, lower-cost solution.

Salient Corp., Horseheads, NYwww.salient.comYear founded: 1986Number of employees: 100+Number of food customers: NASolution names: SIM (Margin Minder)Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors. Key problems solved: Using Salient's technology, short and long-term goals can be met by your organization with a solution that breaks the four barriers that traditional BI solutions face. With speed, simplicity, specificity, and self-sufficiency, our solution dissolves the dependency on IT for creating reports and brings actionable data closer to the point of execution. Using a Windows-based interface, anyone that needs to know can access their data and drill down to their answers, reported in instantaneous response times.

SAP America, (a unit of SAP AG), Newtown Square, PAwww.sap.comYear founded: 1972Number of employees: 38,000+Number of food customers: <100Solution names: ERP; SCM; CRMMarkets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs. Key problems solved: Technology offers food distribution companies the opportunity to achieve greater control of their business, so that they will know which products, customers and even which orders are profitable, and which are not. This system-wide visibility allows the food distributor to make adjustments during difficult times so that they will emerge from the recession stronger and better able to compete and to take advantage of the opportunities that will undoubtedly present themselves.

Schaefer Systems International Inc., Charlotte, NCwww.ssi-schaefer.usYear founded: 1937Number of employees: 9,000+Number of food customers: 39Solution names: Schaefer Case Picking System; Schaefer Carousel System (single unit pick); Schaefer AKL (miniload AS/RS)Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs. Key problems solved: SSI Schaefer's technology allows our customers to lower unit price per shipped when margins are at the tightest. This allows a company to be more profitable in the short term and more competitive over the long term.

Silvon Software Inc., Westmont, ILwww.silvon.comYear founded: 1987Number of employees: 50Number of food customers: 150Solution names: StratumMarkets served: Manufacturers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors. Key problems solved: In today's economy, food businesses must react quicker in getting smaller orders out the door more frequently to their grocery retailers, drive down operational costs even further to meet retailer pricing demands, and maintain both high service levels and good margins while doing so. The supply chain visibility offered by today's technology like the Silvon Stratum application suite supports these market-driven requirements by providing functionality for continuous business planning, real-time performance analysis that leverages demand signals coming from POS and other data, guidance on what should be done when performance variances occur, and continuous response to changing business conditions.

SmartTurn, San Francisco, CAwww.smartturn.comYear founded: 2004 Number of employees: 35Number of food customers: 15Solution names: SmartTurn Inventory and Warehouse Management SystemMarkets served: Manufacturers; foodservice distributors; 3PLs. Key problems solved: In today's economy, supply chain risk assessment should play a significant role in driving the adoption of technology. Combined with a renewed focus on the supply chain and maximizing cash from within, companies are turning to warehouse management technology as the foundation to quickly augment and in some cases, replace existing systems. Because of the Internet, on-demand WMS provides affordability not previously possible. In the short term, WMS technology can help with visibility and assessing any uncertainty surrounding trading partners heightened by operational reductions over the past 12 months. The increased visibility provides the mission-critical information for making informed decisions.

Sterling Commerce, Columbus, OH www.sterlingcommerce.comYear founded: 1974Number of employees: 2,483Number of food customers: 1,438Solution names: Sterling Selling and Fulfillment Suite; Sterling Business Integration SuiteMarkets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; foodservice distributors; 3PLs. Key problems solved: By optimizing and transforming their business collaboration network--the ecosystem of their customers, suppliers and other partners--food companies can turn what used to be called the “supply chain” into a differentiating “value chain” to increase productivity, speed up time to market, and reduce risk and costs associated with compliance. Steps toward this optimized environment will help them obtain both short- and long-term goals.

Summary Systems, Plano, TX www.summarysystems.comYear founded: 1987Number of employees: 6Number of food customers: 3Solution names: Foodservice Distribution System Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs. Key problems solved: The Food Service Distribution System is the ideal mobile solution for companies in the food service industry. The system interfaces with your enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications, giving you the ability to upload into the handheld delivery, invoice and route data. As the driver makes deliveries, the product being delivered is scanned or recorded, providing the driver with instant feedback on the accuracy of the delivery. The driver enters exceptions and prints a clean delivery receipt, invoice or credit. Upon departure from the customer site, exceptions can be instantly sent to headquarters for proper handling. The Food Service Distribution System combines a rugged handheld with wireless communication and has optional GPS, a printer and an engine interface, providing the full range of benefits of the Fleet Commander System.

Technology Group International, Toledo, OH www.tgiltd.comYear founded: 1990Number of employees: 25+Number of food customers: 40+Solution names: Enterprise 21ERPMarkets served: Manufacturers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs. Key problems solved: Despite the current global economic climate, Food Logistics readers, short-term, can leverage technology to improve access to information, improve customer service through faster order processing, decrease on-hand inventory levels while simultaneously increasing order and line item fill rates, and achieve both time and cost savings by migrating to an integrated software platform. Long-term, companies can leverage technology, software in particular, in such a way to allow the organization to grow in sales revenue without a proportional increase in overhead expenses due to faster, more efficient internal business processes, thus leading to greater bottom-line profitability and more sustainable long-term business viability.

TGW-Ermanco Inc., Spring Lake, MI www.tgw-ermanco.comYear founded: 1964Number of employees: 200 (U.S) 2,000 worldwideNumber of food customers: 15+Solution names: BOOSTER; COMMANDER; COMMISSIONER; CRUZ; CRUZCONTROL; GAPMASTER; INTELLIROL; MUSTANG; NBA; NBC; NBS; NBT; RLC; SPECTRA; STRATUS; TGW ERMANCO; TURBO; ULC; XCELSORT; XENOPRESSURE; XENOROL; XenoTRACTION Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs. Key problems solved: Short term goals such as energy management (run on demand and lighting) and modernization retrofits offer immediate efficiency and payback improvements, with ROI of less than one year. For the longer term, companies should look at automation solutions such as AS/RS that traditionally had paybacks of five or more years, but now offer a one to two year ROI. The shorter ROI comes from taking into effect not just the cost of a solution, but the many factors it will affect and the total overall cost of ownership that an integrated logistics solution provides.

TopVox Corp., Barrington, ILwww.top-vox.comYear founded: 2006Number of employees: 50+Number of food customers: 75+Solution names: topSPEECH-Lydia; VOXter; Voxter-S; Voxter-RFIDMarkets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLsKey problems solved: Using voice recognition in logistics processes creates a “hands-free, eyes-free” environment for the operators which results in the perfect solution to optimize the workflow and increase productivity (by an average of more than 20 percent) at an affordable cost of entry. The most cost-effective way to introduce voice in the warehouse is to implement the system in the picking operations due to the proven fast payback. Then, continue to expand the use of voice to other functions, such as receiving, put-away, cycle-counting and returns. The TopVOX voice recognition system is easily integrated and extremely flexible.

TLC--Total Logistic Control, Holland, MI www.totallogistic.com and www.tlctmone.comYear founded: 1902Number of employees: 2,550Number of food customers: 185Solution names: TMOne for transportation and we offer LMS and WMS as wellMarkets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers.Key problems solved: The supply chain is transaction and information intense. Those without contemporary technology risk competitive disadvantage. This is especially true in difficult economic times where such technology can provide better controls, more fluid coordination, and smarter business practices. In addition, technology has never been more affordable--3PL's can spread costs across multiple customers; SaaS; and web-based applications. While technology is vital, many companies are finding that outsourcing can be a huge assist in these economic times. By combining and placing operations and technology in the hands of focused supply chain professionals, new levels of performance can often be realized.

TranSystems, Kansas City, MO www.transystems.comYear founded: 1967Number of employees: 1,100Number of food customers: 65Solution names: Supply Chain and Transportation ConsultingMarkets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; foodservice distributors; 3PLs. Key problems solved: Technology is not the only answer to meeting short- and longer-term goals, particularly during tough times when, for many companies, cost containment without sacrificing customer service is so critical to maintaining competitive position. TranSystems works with clients to evaluate and benchmark current performance, fine-tune work flows and processes; and then, as appropriate, identify and prioritize the equipment, technology and systems investments that can enhance performance while delivering measurable contributions to inventory management, throughput, margins and return on assets.

UPS Logistics Technologies, Baltimore MD;www.upslogisticstech.comYear founded: 1983Number of employees: 152 Number of food customers: 786Solution names: Roadnet Transportation Suite including Roadnet, Territory Planner, MobileCast, Roadnet Performance Dashboard; Roadnet Info Center; NetSchedulerMarkets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs. Key problems solved: Today, we are at an interesting spot--fuel isn't expensive enough to add a fuel surcharge but is just expensive enough to be painful. Our solutions can assist reducing or eliminating this pain by creating optimized routes and monitoring the execution of the routes to ensure that drivers are running them to plan and not running up out-of-route miles. UPS-LT products also allow distributors to become more efficient by finding routes and vehicles that are under capacity--if distributors can add just one more stop to the route, they are far more efficient.

Vocollect Inc., Pittsburgh, PAwww.vocollect.comYear founded: 1987Number of employees: 400 Number of food customers: 700Solution names: Vocollect Voice--Vocollect's portfolio of software, hardware and services that support the use of voice in the DC/warehouse and beyond.Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs. Key problems solved: Companies should look for ways to further leverage their existing voice investment by going beyond selection and using voice for receiving, put-away, replenishment, cycle-counting, and other common DC tasks. Within the picking function, they can utilize voice to help enable process improvements like batch-picking and/or interleaving of tasks.

Westfalia Technologies Inc., York, PAwww.westfaliausa.com Year founded: 1992Number of employees: 90 Number of food customers: 60+Solution names: Savanna.NET Warehouse Management Software; Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems with Satellite technology, conveying, pallet flow systems, plus capabilities in case packing/handling systems.Markets served: Manufacturers; grocery wholesalers; 3PLs. Key problems solved: Highly flexible, and designed to expand as your company grows, Savanna is a modular software enabling companies of all sizes to select only the modules they need to handle their warehousing processes. Savanna offers a broad spectrum of interfaces to various ERP systems, web interfaces and PLC systems. For companies considering automating their warehouses in the future, Westfalia's key advantage is being the one provider knowing how to implement and service automation and software, in steps or all at once.

Witron Integrated Logistics Corp., Arlington Heights, ILwww.witron.comYear founded: 1971Number of employees: 1,100Number of food customers: 26Solution names: OPM automated case picking and palletizing systemMarkets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors. Key problems solved: Using the OPM automated case picking/palletizing system from Witron will allow retailers to reduce labor and worker compensation claims by removing the lifting of heavy cases by order selectors. Building a taller order pallet with no holes will allow companies to save transportation costs of up to 8 percent. Providing an aisle ready pallet or roll container to store clerks will mean faster replenishment of shelves, less impediment to shoppers, less walking and less handling of product resulting in dramatically reduced costs to the customer. Increased productivity and real time control will yield a competitive advantage.

WOW Logistics, Appleton, WI www.wowlogistics.comYear founded: 1977Number of employees: 175Number of food customers: 150+Solution names: N/AMarkets served: Manufacturers; 3PLs. Key problems solved: It is times like these when each company needs to evaluate its internal business procedures. By doing this WOW was able to streamline the process flow while increasing our efficiencies and reducing operational expenses. An example of this was the electronic signature process (similar to any retail store) on our BOLs. Our drivers now sign electronically when the load is picked up. This eliminates the need for paper copies while allowing the flexibility to send the BOLs real time to the customer. Companies need to embrace technology and welcome change to compete in this environment.

XATA Corp., Minneapolis, MNwww.xata.comYear founded: 1985Number of employees: 171Number of food customers: N/ASolution names: N/AMarkets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors. Key problems solved: XATA's technology provides on-demand business insight to its customers' fleets via a software-as-a-service delivery model. This business insight gives fleet operations personnel the tools and data needed to analyze their fleet operations, which results in improvements to their standard operating procedures through reporting, benchmarking and process automation. This is crucial for lowering overall fleet expenses, maintaining regulatory compliance, creating a higher level of safety, and improving customer satisfaction. In today's tough economy, fleets are under increasing pressure to run as lean as possible, without sacrificing service and getting to their destinations safely and on-time. Fleet management solutions help them do this and improve customer service as fleets are able to provide delivery information at a moments notice.

YottaMark, Redwood City, CAwww.harvestmark.comYear founded: 2005Number of employees: 40+Number of food customers: 70+Solution names: HarvestMark Fresh Food Traceability SolutionMarkets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; foodservice distributors. Key problems solved: Consumers today want more information about the food they buy. They want to know if it's fresh and safe and where it comes from. HarvestMark makes it possible for each and every food item to tell its story anytime, anywhere--helping growers and shippers of produce differentiate their brands, promote their products and learn more about customer preferences. Whether it's a single watermelon or a clamshell of strawberries, a product with a HarvestMark code can be linked to specific harvest and packing information. Instant access to traceability information speeds response to food safety events and narrows the impact of future recalls.

Zebra Technologies, Vernon Hills, IL www.zebra.comYear founded: 1969Number of employees: 3,000Number of food customers: Less than 50Solution names: Zebra mobile and desktop thermal printing solutions, including the P4T, RW 420, QL 420 Plus and the Xi series.Markets served: Manufacturers; supermarket retailers; grocery wholesalers; c-store distributors; foodservice distributors; 3PLs. Key problems solved: The food industry's shift to electronic PTI compliance will render traditional paper-based record keeping through the food supply chain. This is especially important for manufacturers who are harvesting 60,000 cases of grapes or up to 150,000 cases of red lettuce per day for example. The volume alone is driving the need for electronic record-keeping, which begins with barcode labels. Technology adoption and the importance of electronic record keeping tie back to Zebra's experience in building barcode solutions. Zebra Technologies and its food traceability partners are building solutions that offer traceability through the entire supply chain--from the time the food is grown on the field to harvest, packing, processing, distribution and retail.